Somalia opposition agrees to talks with president
The National Salvation Forum will send a three-member delegation to meet a government committee on March 14.
Somalia’s opposition National Salvation Forum has agreed to give President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud a final chance to resolve political disputes through dialogue. The decision follows meetings in Mogadishu where opposition figures clashed with Mohamud over constitutional amendments and electoral plans.
Previous negotiation attempts failed, with the opposition accusing the president of unilateral reforms that could entrench his power. The dispute centres on constitutional changes and a proposed electoral system that leaders fear could allow Mohamud a third term. The opposition wants an agreement reached through direct, Somali-led negotiations.
As a first step, a three-member opposition delegation will meet a government technical committee on March 14 to agree on an agenda for future talks. The delegation includes former Galmudug state president Abdikarim Hussein Guled and lawmakers Abdirahman Abdishakur and Abdullahi Arab.
Why it mattersSomali citizens face uncertainty over constitutional changes and the framework for future elections.